Pastor
/ˈpastɔɐ̯/masculine
The German word for pastor is Pastor. Wiktionary also lists Pastorin.
Meaning: minister or priest (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pastor | /ˈpastɔɐ̯/ (standard) /pasˈtoːɐ̯/ (Germany, Western, alternative, including) |
masculine |
| Pastorin | /pasˈtoːʁɪn/ | feminine |
The term refers to a minister or priest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas of northern Germany, such as Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and parts of Lower Saxony, the term Pastor is used more frequently instead of Pfarrer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is Pastoren. To indicate possession (the pastor's or of the pastor), use the genitive singular form Pastors.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpastɔɐ̯/
When do people say it?
In Catholic contexts, especially in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland, the term Kaplan is used to refer to a priest or a pastor specifically as an assistant or associate pastor.
Did you know?
- The female form Pastorin has become more common in official usage as more women are ordained in the German Protestant church. Historically, women in these roles were often called Pfarrfrau, but that term typically meant the pastor's wife.
- In German, the word Pastor shares its root with the English word 'pastor' and the Latin word for 'shepherd'. This imagery of the 'shepherd' is still heavily used in German religious metaphors to describe the care of a congregation.
- A Pastor in Germany often holds a significant civic role in small villages, acting not just as a spiritual leader but as a community mediator and historical record keeper.
Examples in context
- Mein Vater war ein Pastor.My father was a pastor.This sentence is useful for practicing the masculine form Pastor.Tatoeba #11311724 by Malkuth, translation #6271341 by CK
- Bist du Pastor?Are you a pastor?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's profession using Pastor.Tatoeba #13671532 by Naina, translation #11897873 by CK
- Bob wurde Pastor.Bob became a pastor.This sentence is useful for describing a change in status or occupation using Pastor.Tatoeba #12179978 by mhr, translation #464693 by blay_paul
- Der Pfarrer segnete die Gläubigen während der Messe.The pastor blessed the faithful during the mass.
- Fürchte dich nicht, der Pfarrer ist ein erfahrener Seelsorger.Don't be afraid, the pastor is an experienced counselor.
- Morgen besuchen wir den Pfarrer in seiner Gemeinde.Tomorrow we are visiting the pastor in his community.
- Unser Prediger hält immer inspirierende Predigten.Our preacher always delivers inspiring sermons.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their local church community.
- MaximilianKennen wir den neuen Pastor?Do we know the new pastor?
- SarahJa, er ist sehr freundlich.Yes, he is very friendly.
- MaximilianHat der Pastor schon gesprochen?Has the pastor spoken yet?
- SarahNein, noch nicht.No, not yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pastor” translations and entries Pastor, Pastorin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
